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FS 3.137

The aquatic biodiversity of mountain waterscapes

Details

Full Title
FS 3.137: More than just water towers – the aquatic biodiversity of mountain waterscapes: patterns, trends and drivers to changes
Scheduled
TBA
Location
TBA
Convener
Dean Jacobsen
Co-Conveners
Magdalena Vanek,
Assigned to Synthesis Workshop
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Thematic Focus
Biodiversity, Conservation, Cryo- & Hydrosphere, Ecosystems, Monitoring, Water Resources
Keywords
mountain aquatic systems, biodiversity and ecology, patterns and trends, threats and changes, conservation and management

Description

The content was (partly) adapted by AI

Mountains are often primarily associated with their role as natural water towers, supplying water to ecosystems and people downstream. However, the scarcely studied waterscapes of mountains encompass a wide range of aquatic habitats and biodiversity, with ecological processes that significantly impact downstream systems. Although mountain aquatic systems are often relatively pristine, they are increasingly affected by various anthropogenic stressors. This session aims to bring together researchers and stakeholders to present and discuss patterns and trends in the distribution of life within mountain aquatic systems, the threats they face, the drivers of change, and how aquatic mountain biodiversity and ecology have been and are likely to be affected. We also welcome outlooks on the future needs for research, conservation, monitoring, management, and the sustainable use of mountain aquatic biodiversity, ecosystems, and their services in a changing world.

Submitted Abstracts

ID: 3.5416

Increased drying threatens alpine pond biodiversity more than temperature increase in a changing climate

Marie Lamouille-Hébert
Arthaud, Florent; Besnard, Aurélien; Logez, Maxime; Datry, Thibault

Abstract/Description

Climate change is one of the main drivers of biodiversity decline. Rapidly changing climate in the form of warming, drying, and habitat isolation causes freshwater species to change their spatial extent, as most species have little capacity for in situ responses. However, the relative contribution of these three effects to freshwater species’ changing spatial distributions is actively debated. To shed light on this debate, the CIMaE project (Climatic Impact on Mountain aquatic Ecosystems) aims to explore temperature, hydroperiod, and habitat connectivity effects on alpine pond species occupancy probabilities in the Northern French Alps for defining efficient management strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change. We studied alpine ponds as ideal test systems because they face climate change effects more rapidly, and in more concentrated areas, than any other freshwater ecosystem. We used multi-species occupancy models with three biological groups (amphibians, macrophytes and Odonata) to examine contrasting responses to climate change. We will present the results and their implications for the next phases of the CIMaE project.

ID: 3.7997

Recent shifts in zooplankton community structure: new occurrence of Daphnia longispina in a clear and a nearby glacially turbid alpine lake

Ambre Placide
Kalita, Paulina; Tartarotti, Barbara

Abstract/Description

Zooplankton, here Daphnia longispina, plays a key role in lake ecosystems, occupying an important place in the food web and allowing the effects of climate change to be tracked. These small filter-feeding crustaceans are found in a variety of ecosystems, including alpine lakes. Alpine lakes are characterized by harsh environmental conditions, including large changes in light and turbidity caused by two periods: an ice cover period, when both UV radiation (UVR) and glacial flour, the main cause of lake turbidity, are reduced, and an ice-free period with high UVR in clear lakes and low water transparency in glacier-fed lakes. As temperatures rise due to climate change, glaciers are melting, creating new, highly turbid lakes. With ongoing glacier retreat, the connection between the glaciers and the lakes will weaken and the lakes will eventually become clear. Such changes in environmental conditions also bring changes in the biotic composition, with the appearance of certain zooplankton species. This study provides details on the new occurrence of Daphnia in two alpine lakes with different turbidity levels (clear Faselfadsee 4 and glacially turbid Faselfadsee 3 with turbidity ranging from ~0.2 NTU during the ice cover period to 3.3 NTU in summer). In an annual cycle, Daphnia were always present in the clear lake, with an average of 142.4 Ind m-3 and a maximum abundance of 613.3 Ind m-3 in September, whereas in the glacier-fed lake no Daphnia were found from June (0.4 NTU, still ice-covered) to August, when turbidity was at its highest, with an average of 3.6 Ind m-3 and a maximum abundance of 33.3 Ind m-3 in October, about 40 times lower than in the clear lake. Daphnia seem to have established themselves in the clear lake, while they still seem to be struggling to thrive in the glacier-fed lake.

ID: 3.9882

Aquatic Biodiversity and the Transformation of Mountain Waterscapes

Dean Jacobsen
Vanek, Magdalena

Abstract/Description

Alpine waterscapes, found across every continent, are rich in diverse ecosystems, from fast-flowing streams to tranquil bogs, and home to a range of organisms, from microscopic life to large vertebrates. While species richness tends to be low at high altitudes, mountain regions often boast surprisingly high biodiversity on a larger scale. These aquatic environments are marked by a mix of widespread as well as highly specialized species, unique endemics, and hidden cryptic diversity. However, alpine waterscapes are undergoing significant transformation, driven by both global environmental shifts and local human activities. These changes are poised to impact the delicate balance of alpine aquatic biodiversity. In this overview, we explore regional patterns of aquatic biodiversity in mountain ecosystems, highlight examples of ongoing changes to alpine waterscapes, and examine the potential consequences for the species and biodiversity of these habitats.

ID: 3.9977

High mountain lakes in the face of global change: long-term ecological research to address existing and emerging threats

Michela Rogora
Marchetto, Aldo; Boggero, Angela; Musazzi, Simona; Cesarini, Giulia; Zaupa, Silvia; Fornaroli, Riccardo

Abstract/Description

High mountain lakes and streams are particularly sensitive to environmental stressors. They have been extensively used in national and international research programs to assess the effects of air pollution related impacts, such as acidification and nitrogen enrichment, as well as the recovery following reduction in pollutant emission and deposition. High altitude freshwaters are also considered sentinels of climate change: physical, chemical and biological features are all affected by climate-related drivers, such as increasing temperature, changing precipitation regime and degradation of the cryosphere. To assess these impacts, time series of high quality environmental data, collected with standard methodologies, are needed. Networks such as the European LTER (Long-Term Ecological Research) and ICP WATERS (International Cooperative Programme on assessment and monitoring of the effects of air pollution on rivers and lakes) are examples of cooperative efforts in collecting, sharing and analyzing long-term ecological data, also in high mountain or remote study areas, to assess the effects of global environmental change. We present some case studies consisting in LTER mountain lake sites in the Central Alps, Italy, where chemical and biological data (macroinvertebrates ad diatoms) have been collected to assess the ecological status of the lakes in relation to changing environmental conditions. The lakes are also research sites of the LIFE Project MODERn NEC, dealing with the impacts of air pollution and climate change on ecosystems under the EU NEC Directive. Some of these lakes provide examples of successful acidification recovery thanks to the implementation of international protocol to abate air pollution, such as the Air Convention. Despite this positive change, the lakes are still sensitive to the deposition of pollutants: their water quality and biological assemblages are presently affected by nutrient inputs, including nitrogen, and climate-related drivers, such as increasing water temperature, lake level fluctuations, decreasing ice and snow cover in catchment. In addition, other pollutants than acidifying compounds, such as microplastics, which could be both atmospherically transported or introduced by local activities, need to be considered. Responsive chemical and biological indicators, to be regularly assessed in time, are crucial to support sustainable management and conservation strategies for these fragile ecosystems.

ID: 3.10303

In the sunshine and the shadow: how local topography affects temperatures and life in mountain lakes?

Adam Janto
Svitok, Marek; Hamerlík, Ladislav; Bitušík, Peter; Novikmec, Milan

Abstract/Description

Due to their elevation, catchment characteristics, and simple structure, mountain lakes react sensitively to climate change. However, local topography – one of the prominent features of mountain landscapes – may profoundly affect the climate change signal by reducing the insolation of topographically shaded lakes. Our objective was to quantify the “sun umbrella” effect of local topography on the temperatures and communities of littoral invertebrates of Tatra Mountain lakes (Slovakia). We analyzed data on lake surface water temperature (LSWT) and littoral benthic communities of 18 mountain lakes distributed along a 500-m altitudinal gradient and characterized by differing topographic shading levels: unshaded lakes and shaded lakes (years 2010 – 2011). Further, we compared these temperature data with our recent data from 2021-2023 to address the role of local topography in the modulation of climate change signals on LSWT over time. Shaded lakes were significantly colder and local topography affected the composition of littoral invertebrates. Investigated lake groups supported distinct communities in lower altitudes and shaded lakes were characterized by higher abundances of cold-stenothermal species. However, the community composition of both lake groups converged towards higher altitudes in communities typical for a greater abundance of cold-stenotherms. The proportion of cold-stenothermal species increased with increasing altitude in shaded lakes and was notably greater than that in unshaded lakes along the studied altitudinal gradient. Most of the studied lakes became warmer during ca. 10-year period (on average +0,87°C). Local topography had a marginally significant (p = 0.076) effect on the temperature changes over time. Our results suggest that local topography profoundly affects the temperature and benthic communities of the mountain lakes. Topographically shaded lakes may perhaps provide refuge for cold-stenothermal communities threatened by ongoing global warming. However, the role of local topography in the modulation of climate change signals on mountain lakes requires further research.

ID: 3.10786

Impact of Ecological Dynamics on the Macrozoobenthic Communities in the Spring-fed Havel River, Garhwal Himalaya, India.

Niharika Arya

Abstract/Description

The Garhwal Himalaya is a majestic region in the Indian Himalayas located in Uttarakhand. The Havel, one of the most important spring-fed tributaries of the holy River Ganga in the Garhwal Himalaya, originates from the Chailusain mountain range in Pauri Garhwal. It sustains a wide variety of aquatic life, including a unique and diverse array of macrozoobenthic communities. Macrozoobenthos are the essential elements of freshwater ecosystems, as their sensitivity to pollution and habitat alternations makes them reliable bioindicators for monitoring the ecological balance as well as stream health. The present study has been conducted at two different sites (i.e. Mohanchatti between 30003’51’’ N Latitude and 78024’17’’ E Longitude, and Phoolchatti: between 30007’00’’ N latitude and 78022’38’’ E Longitude) to assess the various physicochemical parameters and macrozoobenthic communities in the Havel River. By analysing monthly physicochemical parameters as well as Macrozoobenthic density and diversity patterns, we assessed the impact of both natural disturbances (e.g., floods, droughts, and landslides) and anthropogenic activities (e.g., deforestation, pesticide use, pollution, tourism, and fishing) on the river ecosystem. These factors have contributed to a decline in the diversity and distribution of sensitive macrozoobenthic taxa (EPT: Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) and altered river dynamics, including reduced pH and alkalinity, increased water hardness, elevated TDS levels, etc. Ultimately, these changes have negatively affected the overall health of the river ecosystem. The findings emphasize the need for conserving diverse habitats and ensuring the ecological integrity of the river.

ID: 3.11034

Unravelling the fish communities and associated habitat parameters in Tissa river system of Arunachal Pradesh, eastern Himalaya, India.

Junngam Khiham
Anthony Johnson, Jayaraj; Nanda, Prasanta

Abstract/Description

Research on river systems in the eastern Himalaya are extensively skewed towards taxonomical aspects while their ecological information particularly in the state of Arunachal Pradesh remains scare. In order to address this persisting knowledge gap, the present study aims to document fish assemblage patterns as well as their associations with the local habitat parameters in the Tissa river basin flowing along the easternmost borders of Arunachal Pradesh near the India-Myanmar border, serving as a significant aquatic ecosystem in the region. The study was carried out in two seasons, pre-monsoon (Feb-March) and post-monsoon (Sep-Oct) from 2023 to 2024. A total of 48 fish species belonging to 14 Families across four orders were recorded. Fish Species richness varied from 2 to 20 along entire tissa river system where chettum river, a small tributary of river Tissa recorded highest diversity (H’= 2.48). The Principle Component Analysis was employed to distinguish the different stream orders on the basis of habitat parameters like pH, temperature, TDS, Conductivity, DO, Salinity, mesohabitat counts, flow, depth profile, substrate type, percentage of fish cover and altitude resulting in three distinct orders (higher, middle and lower). Fish abundance (site wise) data and habitat parameter data was then subjected to Canonical Correspondence Analysis to test the association of habitat parameters on fish abundance. The CCA results revealed that the abundance of fish species Schizothorax richardsonii and Exostoma labiatum were strongly associated with high altitude, lower pH and water temperature. Large carbs like Neolissochilus hexagonolepis, Bangana devdevi and Tor putitora were associated with higher ordered streams. Other species like Channa stewartii, Danio assamilia, botia rostrata, Garra annandalai showed strong association with warmer water and higher conductivity streams. All univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed using R-software (version 4.4.1 2024-06-14). Additionally anthropogenic threats like overfishing, utilization of destructive fishing technique (batteries and converters) , habitat degradation & fragmentation, wastewater runoff and river bed mining were identified as significantly impact the aquatic ecosystem.

ID: 3.11306

Rock glacier springs as potential climate refugia for aquatic biodiversity in alpine headwaters

Magdalena Vanek
Martini, Jan; Brighenti, Stefano; Schwingshackl, Thea; Vallefuoco, Francesca; Scotti, Alberto; Lencioni, Valeria; Bottarin, Roberta

Abstract/Description

Glacier shrinkage caused by climate change is altering hydrological dynamics of alpine headwaters, such as glacier streams and spring brooks (non-glacial springs). This in turn may affect aquatic biodiversity. Streams originating from rock glaciers (permafrost-related rocky landforms) maintain cold water temperatures even as climates warm. For this reason, these “icy seeps” may serve as crucial refugia for cold-adapted organisms. However, our knowledge on stream benthic macroinvertebrates dwelling in icy seeps is still scarce. In this study we investigated the physical (discharge, temperature and turbidity) and chemical (such as major ions and trace elements) conditions, meltwater contribution (estimated with δ18O and δ2H), and the invertebrate communities of glacier streams, spring brooks and icy seeps in five different catchments of the Eastern Italian Alps. When compared with the communities of the other two habitat types, icy seeps had intermediate diversity and composition, that were related to a gradient of chemical and physical harshness. While icy seeps with low concentrations of trace elements hosted communities like those dwelling in spring brooks, icy seeps with the harshest water chemistry (high Ni, As, U, Mn, Al concentrations) and higher meltwater contribution hosted species that are currently in decline due to glacier loss (e.g., Diamesa steinboecki). Our study represents a first attempt of drawing parallels and comparisons between the different alpine spring habitats, and includes a detailed characterization of Chironomidae, the most diverse and abundant group in high alpine headwaters. Our findings highlight the high conservation value of icy seeps and their ecological significance. The protection of these habitats, nowadays overlooked, will be fundamental under the progressive warming and dry-out risk of alpine springs.

ID: 3.12947

When Biodiversity Speaks to Us: Temporal Changes in Macrophytes of Pyrenean High-Mountain Lakes

Eric Baqué-Díaz
Riera, Joan Lluís; Catalán, Jordi; Ballesteros, Enric; Gacia, Esperança

Abstract/Description

The high-mountain alpine lake system of the Pyrenees comprises hundreds of soft-water, oligotrophic, shallow lakes that support a rich aquatic flora. Historically, these vegetated lakes—located between 1,600 and 2,500 m a.s.l.—were largely unaffected by human activities related to catchment land use. However, studies over the past decade indicate on-going global changes that may impact aquatic biodiversity. Building on a 1987 study that analyzed the flora of shallow Pyrenean lakes, this research examines changes in macrophyte biodiversity in thirty high-mountain lakes by comparing semiquantitative inventories from fixed transects over time. Our aim is to unveil potential biodiversity shifts and relate them to ongoing environmental changes. To achieve this, we assessed changes in species richness and abundance, as well as species-specific trends, across two time periods: an initial survey in 1987 and a follow-up conducted be- tween 2017 and 2022 (30 to 35 years apart). These community changes are analyzed in relation to concurrent shifts in lake water chem- istry while also evaluating the potential influence of introduced minnows (Phoxinus sp.). Our results reveal overall stability in regional macrophyte richness but notable shifts in species abundance and composition at the lake level. Oligotrophic mosses and floating-leaved macrophytes have declined, while some natopotamids, typically associated with more nutrient-rich waters, have expanded. These trends align with regional increases in conductivity and alkalinity, along with an overall reduction in nitrogen availability. Macrophyte community shifts were more pronounced in lakes where conductivity exceeded a threshold of 20 μS/cm. Contrary to our expectations, no direct link was found between minnow presence and water chemistry changes. However, a (non-significant) trend toward greater in- creases in conductivity was observed in lakes with Phoxinus sp., suggesting that these fish may act as exacerbators of regional trends rather than as the primary driver of change. These findings underscore the importance of long-term monitoring of plant communities to better understand the ecological consequences of environmental change in these pristine ecosystems. They also illustrate how biodiversity serves as an integrated record of shifting environmental conditions over time.

ID: 3.12996

Longitudinal recovery of macrozoobenthos communities: insights from a dam-impacted Alpine stream

Noah Barchi
Bonato, Simon; Lane, Stuart N.

Abstract/Description

Over the last century, the Alpine riverscape has undergone profound transformations due to hydropower development, environmental risk mitigation, land-use changes, and riparian vegetation management. These landscape engineering modifications have fragmented the riverscape, disrupting natural biophysical gradients and altering downstream ecological processes. Among anthropogenic disturbances, large water-tight dams represent the most extreme form of disruption, fully interrupting habitat continuity, modifying downstream water and sediment budgets, and resetting longitudinal processes.

The recovery of aquatic communities downstream of such barriers has been widely explored, however open ecological questions remain. Building on the Serial Discontinuity Concept, this study investigates the longitudinal recovery of macrozoobenthos communities in a steep, confined Alpine river in south-western Switzerland, located downstream of the Grand Dixence dam, and explores the ecological role played by tributaries in controlling recovery dynamics. By tracking the recovery trajectory of benthic fauna throughout the year in a heavily human-impacted riverscape, we will include perspectives on the seasonal fluctuations in community structure and the role of additional human sources of disturbance.

This poster will present the first results of the work, produced after the first year of data collection, focusing on the seasonal fluctuations in longitudinal recovery trends. In a rapidly changing Alpine landscape, shaped by both human pressure and climate change, this study will improve our understanding of regulated river systems and provide valuable insights for developing protection and management strategies aimed at mitigating hydropower impacts.

ID: 3.13015

How to approach the bioaccumulation of nanoplastics in glacial environment

Serena Pozzi
Masseroni, Andrea; Schirinzi, Gabriella; Ponti, Jessica; Villa, Sara; Valsesia, Andrea; Lencioni, Valeria

Abstract/Description

There is growing scientific interest in nanoplastics (NPs) due to their unique properties, which could lead to significant risks to living organisms. However, the challenge of accurately detecting NPs in complex matrices has led to a shortage of data on their presence in the environment. High-mountain ecosystems are emerging as indicators of plastic pollution, with glaciers acting as temporary pollutant sinks, yet NPs presence in high-mountain organisms remains unknown. This research focuses on developing and applying an analytical method to identify NPs in chironomid larvae (Diamesa sp.) collected from a remote Alpine region. The proposed methodology integrates enzymatic and oxidative digestion, followed by ethanol-based purification, with subsequent identification through Raman spectroscopy and microscopy. To assess the reliability of the extraction process, chironomid samples were spiked with polystyrene nanoplastics (500 nm) at two concentrations (10⁹ and 10⁷ particles/mL) before undergoing the full extraction protocol. Nanoplastic quantification in the residual sample matrix was conducted using Single Particle Extinction and Scattering analysis. Results indicated high recovery efficiencies, ranging from 80 to 110 %. Additionally, confocal Raman spectroscopy proved effective in detecting plastic particles. Following method validation, non-spiked Diamesa tonsa larvae were examined as part of a case study on NPs pollution in remote alpine environments. A polystyrene signal was detected in one larval sample, hinting at potential NPs contamination in this otherwise pristine glacial environment. Future research will focus on refining quantification techniques, such as Pyro-GC-MS, to improve NPs detection in complex biological specimens, ultimately contributing to environmental risk assessments.

ID: 3.13877

Can Microbes Inform about Vulnerability of Spring Waters — Assessment of Microbial Communities and Water Quality in Austrian Springs

Filip Paul Boanca
Masten, Martin; Seelig, Magdalena; Zeißl, Alice; Karwautz, Clemens; Coulson, Laura; Gerfried, Winkler; Griebler, Christian

Abstract/Description

Alpine springs are vital freshwater sources but are increasingly vulnerable to climate change. The ECOSPRING project (Qualitative and quantitative impacts of climate change on alpine spring waters and their microbial biodiversity – an eco-hydrogeological approach) is a collaboration between the University of Graz, the University of Vienna, Geosphere Austria, and the Climate Change Center Austria (CCCA). Supported by the Austrian Academy of Sciences, this research investigates how climate change affects spring hydrology, water quality, and microbial biodiversity in Austria.
Our study integrates hydrogeological, geochemical, and microbial analyses to assess seasonal variations in temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, stable water isotopes, nutrient fluxes, major ions, and dissolved organic matter. These parameters provide insights into processes shaping spring water quality and quantity.
Microbial communities play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems and serve as indicators of environmental change. By linking microbial composition to hydrogeochemical conditions, we aim to identify mechanisms driving biodiversity shifts in spring waters. Additionally, the project contributes to a national groundwater fauna biodiversity initiative, focusing on stygobiont invertebrates. The research spans multiple spatial and temporal scales. Locally, three Styrian springs were monitored monthly for the duration of 2024 to capture fine-scale seasonal dynamics. Nationally, we sampled 84 springs at high-flow conditions in spring and early summer 2024, with 34 representative springs resampled in autumn/early winter 2024 to assess expected low-flow conditions. Despite unusually high autumn discharge, the dataset remains robust for analyzing seasonal trends and inter-site variability. A 2021 regional study in Styria provided baseline data by sampling 15 springs three times, complementing ECOSPRING findings with finer temporal resolution.
Preliminary results show seasonal and spatial variability in spring water chemistry and microbial communities, with distinct microbial compositions in hydrologically stable vs. fluctuating springs. Future analyses will further explore these interactions to enhance our understanding of spring vulnerability to climate change and human pressures.
Ultimately, this research will enhance sustainable water resource management strategies, advancing the conservation and understanding of alpine spring ecosystem vulnerability in a changing climate.

ID: 3.13896

Glacier Retreat Reshapes Aquatic Food Webs and Nutritional Resources in Alpine Catchments

Georg Niedrist
Vulcano, Maria-Chiara; Kainz, Martin; Füreder, Leopold

Abstract/Description

Deglaciation in mountain catchments affects water sources and changes habitat conditions and resource availability in cold alpine rivers. While the consequences of glacier retreat for aquatic invertebrate biodiversity have been documented, its quantitative effects on food web structures, particularly on the production of periphyton, the biomass of invertebrates, and their nutritional quality, remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we assessed abiotic habitat conditions, periphyton biomass and composition, and invertebrate assemblages together with their individual body-mass across multiple glacierized and non-glacierized catchments in the Central Eastern Austrian Alps. The findings show that declining glacier cover reduces sediment load and runoff, increasing the stability of benthic habitats. These habitat ameliorations promote periphyton growth, particularly favoring diatoms and cyanobacteria, despite concurrent changes in nutrient availability. Increased periphyton biomass suggests a shift in basal resource quantity, with potential implications for its nutritional quality. This periphyton is key resource in alpine stream food webs, providing essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), crucial for somatic growth and reproduction of invertebrates. Our analysis of fatty acid (FA) composition in periphyton and invertebrates revealed that FA content varies across different stream typologies and degrees of glacial influence. However, invertebrates in glacier-fed streams appear to regulate their lipid composition endogenously rather than relying directly on dietary FA availability. This suggests physiological adaptations to low-PUFA environments, which could have consequences for energy transfer efficiency in alpine food webs during changing hydrological conditions. At higher trophic levels, decreasing glaciation affects invertebrate biodiversity but also the body-mass of typical species, with glacier-bound species exhibiting reduced body sizes. Given that FA composition influences consumer fitness and productivity, understanding these shifts is crucial for predicting future ecological changes in high-elevation river systems under the ongoing rapid habitat change throughout mountain regions. Our findings highlight the need for further research on the functional role of periphyton as a nutritional resource and its cascading effects on aquatic and terrestrial consumers, including fish and insectivorous birds.

ID: 3.21205

Subfossil zooplankton remains from the sediment of an Austrian alpine lake in a protected area

Samuel Unterberger
Wickham, Stephen; Berninger, Ulrike-Gabriele; Otto, Jan-Christoph

Abstract/Description

Subfossil remains in lake sediments help us to understand past ecological events. In the case of the Salzbodensee, a shallow alpine lake in East-Tyrol fed exclusively by groundwater, the sediment core likely covers a time span of approximately 145 years. The age of the lake itself is estimated to predate the end of the Little Ice-Age. The lake plankton is currently dominated by two large cladoceran and copepod species, Daphnia longispina and Hetercope saliens.

As part of a long-term biodiversity study in the Hohe Tauern region, this work aims to help to answer the questions of when these species first appeared after the glacier retreated, how the species composition changed over time, whether the lake has always been dominated by the two species currently found or whether there has been species replacements over time.

For identification, mainly cladoceran remains were used, especially postabdomens and postabdominal claws. The analysis was carried out as a part of a bachelor´s thesis project and is still in progress, but first observations suggest a continuous presence of cladocerans and an increasing number of individuals in the upper (younger) layers, but with a different species composition than is currently found in the plankton.

These findings offer a basis for further analysis, such as the identification of species by reactivating resting eggs (if present in the sediment) or through genetic analysis of the sediment core.

FS 3.136: The heritagisation of abandoned mountain environments: challenges and opportunities for cultural sustainability and community renewal

FS 3.138: Mountain Echoes Beyond Boundaries: Writing, Stories, and Archives in Transnational Mountain History Research

#IMC: September 14 - 18 2025

FS 3.137

The aquatic biodiversity of mountain waterscapes

Details

Full Title

Scheduled

Location

Convener

Co-Conveners

Assigned to Synthesis Workshop

Thematic Focus

Keywords

Description

Submitted Abstracts

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

Abstract/Description

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